On September 9, 2012, from 11:00-3:30, our Lake House Stage will host some talented musicians playing a more soothing repertoire than you’ll hear on our outdoor stages at The Big Chili Cook-Off.

At 11:00, stop in to hear Danny Masters, “A guitarist who can shred with the best of them or wrap us around his strings with a compelling and mesmerizing experience.”

At 12:15, listeners will be enthralled by Melodic Delights Ensemble, featuring violins and a cellist playing festive classical music.

At 1:30, Two Guitars Telling a Story will entertain you. Imagine Chet Atkins and his fingerstyle tunes combined with Eric Clapton and his sweet lead riffs joining together to play for you in your living room; this is their music.

If you came to The Big Chili Cook-Off last year, you know there were many fantastic artisans who displayed their work. This year, we have several new artists setting up booths in the Evergreen Lake House, along with “coffeehouse” style music, silent auction items to bid on, and a wine bistro. This will be the perfect place to unwind, and enjoy a quieter part of our festival.

In addition to this great venue, Evergreen Park and Recreation District will be hosting a scrumptious new food court near the Lake House. When you’ve had your fill of chili tasting, stop by and see what delicious menu items are available for purchase. The day is shaping up to be one of the best cook-offs ever, so mark your calendars. We’ll see you on September 9th!

The 11th annual Big Chili Cook-Off Music and Arts Festival will open its gates at 10:30 A.M. on September 9, 2012. You can check The Big Chili here for ticketing information and parking information. There will be more shuttles than ever before to make attending the event more convenient for everyone. There will be two beer trucks providing refreshing beverages. And as you read the schedule here, you can see the fantastic musical talent that will be entertaining the crowds. This is something you definitely don’t want to miss!

Bands

Main Stage
Open Space
The Bucktones
Wendy Woo
Austin Young and No Difference
Nina Storey

The Big Chili Cook-Off Art & Music Festival is, in great part, about the music. We will have fantastic bands playing on the stage all day, lending to the festive air. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more low key, be sure to stop into the Lakehouse during the day. This is where our artists will be, with coffeehouse-type music, a wine bistro, and silent auction items to bid on. Come in, sit and relax, and enjoy the “Art” part of our festival.

If you’re wondering who provides all the excellent music for our event, it’s our own Cactus Jack’s Saloon. Check out a fantastic write-up about Cactus Jack’s here in Paste Magazine – Signs of Life in Music, Film & Culture. They are number eight on Paste’s list of Twelve Restaurants with Musical Ties, the noted restaurants being from both Canada and the U.S. We couldn’t be more excited for Cactus Jack’s!! Not only are they making a splash nationally, they are also committed to giving back to the mountain community we all call home. You can check out their menu and calendar here to pick a night when you can enjoy great food and live music, right in the heart of Evergreen.

Gates open at 10:30 A.M. for the 11th annual Big Chili Cook-Off, Music & Arts Festival. This great event is being held at The Evergreen Lakehouse on September 9, 2012. Check The Big Chili website here for ticketing information.

This is a fantastic community happening, and you really won’t want to miss anything. Two of our favorite events are The Mountain Firefighter Challenge and The Children’s Firefighter Challenge. Embrace the fun of competition as we all stand on the sidelines cheering for our favorite firefighter as they don all their gear and demonstrate their skills. Or watch as your little future firefighter dresses up in his or her gear and competes just like the “big guys.”

Mark you calendars if you want to see these events – they will be happening earlier in the day than they have in the past, and you don’t want to miss a thing!

Thanks to our sponsor Stagecoach Sports Grill for stepping up to the plate and giving to our local fire departments. Stagecoach is a mountain style hangout with 14 LCD TV’s where you can watch your favorite teams, and experience their award-winning menu items and great service. It’s the perfect place to hang out with friends and watch “The Game.”Thanks, too, to Lakepoint Center of Evergreen, a unique commercial setting located at the intersection of Hwy 74 and Upper Bear Creek Road that fronts right on Evergreen Lake and the Lakehouse. These shops and restaurants will be open during The Big Chili Cook-Off, so if you’re looking for a place to take a break during the event, be sure to stop in and see what’s here.

Local photographer Flip Dalfonso says, “Photography has always been a passion of mine. Recent retirement has given me the opportunity to travel around and enjoy the many wonders that surround us.” He takes really great outdoor shot, like this photo of the Evergreen Lake House.

Flip does more than photography in his retirement. He also takes ownership of his community by staying involved in those projects close to his heart. This year, Flip has graciously donated photographs for all of our Big Chili ads leading up to the Festival. This is one more thing The Big Chili doesn’t have to pay for. Not only do we get high-quality work, we get it in a way that ultimately puts more money into our firefighter fund. Thanks, Flip!!